Jambalaya Casserole
A hearty, flavorful casserole combining rice, vegetables, and choice meats with Cajun spices, perfect for a comforting family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1/2 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 rib celery, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 c meat (total), diced (e.g., ham, cooked chicken, cooked shrimp, sausage) ⓘ
- 3 c boiled rice ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz) can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/2 c minced parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, green pepper, celery, and minced garlic; sauté until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked vegetables with meat of choice (ham, cooked chicken, cooked shrimp, sausage).
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooked rice and minced parsley; mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, until heated through and slightly browned on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider using smoked sausage or adding a splash of hot sauce to the mixture. If you don't have all the meats on hand, feel free to substitute with whatever you have available, such as leftover turkey or tofu for a vegetarian twist. Adding a bay leaf during cooking can also enhance the dish's depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Jambalaya Casserole pairs beautifully with a side salad or some crusty bread. For a refreshing drink, consider serving it with Twin Berry Punch. You can also garnish with extra parsley or sliced green onions for added freshness and color.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jambalaya Casserole contains roughly 290 calories, with 14g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (81% of the Daily Value), iron (38% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1516mg per serving (66% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and cook as directed. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What types of meat can I use?
You can use a variety of meats in this recipe, such as ham, cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage. Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences or what you have on hand for a custom flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the meat with vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers, and use a vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for added depth. This makes for a delicious and hearty vegetarian casserole.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).